Summer TV: Bravo, AMC, Starz, Travel Channel, Sundance Channel, WEtv

Check out this piece on new series and new seasons for some summer TV viewing from the following networks:  Bravo, AMC, Starz, Pivot, The Travel Channel, Sundance Channel, WeTV and CNBC...

via press release:

New Series

Bravo

Below Deck – Premieres Monday,  July 1 at 10PM (new premiere date)

The upstairs and downstairs worlds collide when this young and single crew, known as “yachties,” live, love and work together onboard a privately owned extravagant yacht.  Working and tending to the ever-changing needs of their demanding charter guests is not always smooth sailing.

Property Envy – Premieres Tuesday, July 9 at 10PM (new premiere date)

The world’s most exclusive, expensive houses are throwing open their doors to a panel of passionate property experts in this new panel talk show that explores the world of luxury real estate, cutting-edge home technology and trendsetting décor.  Every week, our property and design-obsessed host and esteemed panelists will present the homes that give them “Property Envy.” 

Eat, Drink, Love – Premieres Sunday, August 11 at 9PM (new premiere date)

Single, successful, beautiful and connected to the restaurant and food industry in Los Angeles, these ladies take on the traditionally male-dominated industry in their own way as they juggle a world where business always mixes with pleasure.

AMC

Low Winter Sun – Series Premiere Sunday, August 11 at 10PM

Starring Mark Strong (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy, Zero Dark Thirty) and Lennie James (“The Walking Dead,” “Jericho,” Snatch), “Low Winter Sun” is a contemporary story of murder, deception, revenge and corruption in a world where the line between cops and criminals is blurred. The series begins with the murder of a cop by a fellow Detroit detective. Seemingly the perfect crime, in reality the murder activates forces that will forever alter the detective’s life, and pull him into the heart of the Detroit underworld. The ten-episode series is based on the 2006 award-winning British two-part mini-series of the same name written by Simon Donald and produced by Tiger Aspect Productions (an Endemol Company).

Owner’s Manual – Premieres Thursday, August 15 at 9PM

“Owner’s Manual” will test one of the most common divides among man - those who read the owner’s manual and those who do not.  Representing each side of this divide, Ed Sanders (“Extreme Makeover Edition”) and Marcus Hunt (HGTV’s “Hammer Heads”) are put to the test in a weekly challenge where they attempt to operate today’s most advanced, dangerous and powerful machinery and technology – from a fighter jet to a submarine, and more. With opposing points of view and conflicting methods of practice -- one man works strictly from the rule book, while the other uses only his instincts -- the real test will be how this “everyman” duo can collaborate to accomplish their challenge.

pivot

Takepart Live  - Premieres Thursday, August 1 at 12:00a ET (Embargoed for Summer Preview Stories-Print/Online)

A late night, no-holds-barred live show, mixing equal parts serious discussion and comedic take on the daily headlines, “TakePart Live” will bring celebrities, activists, newsmakers and viewers together to discuss and decode the events that make up the fabric of daily life and how to act on the stories that move us.  Premiering August 1^st at midnight ET, the nightly hour-long program will also be fully second-screen enabled, featuring live interaction with the cast, polling, social media sharing and more.  Additionally, there will be a live-streamed pre-show on the network website (www.pivot.tv) and Takepart.com allowing viewers to contribute to the show they will see on air that evening.

Starz

The White Queen – Premieres Saturday, August 10 at 9pm ET/PT

The year is 1464, before the Tudor dynasty ruled the country, and war has been ravaging throughout England over who is the rightful King. It is a bitter dispute between two sides of the same family; The House of York and The House of Lancaster. The House of York’s young and handsome Edward IV is crowned King of England with the help of the master manipulator, Lord Warwick “The Kingmaker.” But when Edward falls in love with a beautiful Lancastrian commoner, Elizabeth Woodville, Warwick’s plan to control the throne comes crashing down. A violent, high-stakes struggle ensues between Elizabeth, her most fierce adversary, Lancastrian Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville, the pawn in her father’s power game - each woman vying for the crown.

The ten-part limited series is a BBC co-production, adapted from The New York Times best-selling historical novel series “The War of the Roses” by Philippa Gregory.

In addition to Max Irons, “The White Queen” also stars Rebecca Ferguson, Janet McTeer, James Frain, Amanda Hale, Faye Marsay, David Oakes, Eleanor Tomlinson, Aneurin Barnard, Ben Lamb and Tom McKay. “The White Queen” is made by Company Pictures and adapted by acclaimed writer Emma Frost .The series is produced by Gina Cronk and directed by James Kent. Executive Producers include John Griffin, George Faber, Charles Pattinson for Company Pictures, Philippa Gregory, Eurydice Gysel for Czar Television, Polly Hill for the BBC and Colin Callender for Playground. 

WEtv

Sanya’s Glam & Gold – Premieres Thursday, July 25 at 10pm ET/PT

WE tv’s all-new docu-series, coming this summer, chronicles the fast-paced lives of four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Sanya Richards-Ross and her husband, two-time NFL Super Bowl champion, Aaron Ross. In each hour-long episode viewers will get a first-hand look inside the world of the athletic power couple, with a special focus on unstoppable track superstar Richards-Ross as she juggles appearances, grows her businesses, expands her career and maintains a loving marriage.  It might not always be Glam & Gold, but Ross never gives up on having it all. 

Obsessed with the Dress – Premieres Saturday, July 27th at 9pm ET/PT

Former beauty queen Michele Strom takes the glamorous and competitive world of pageantry by storm with WE tv’s all-new series, Obsessed with the Dress premiering July 27 at 9pm ET/PT. The six, hour long episode series follows Strom, a former Mrs. Nebraska titleholder and single mother of two young children, as she runs a very tight ship as the owner of The Winning Crown Boutique in Omaha, Nebraska. Michele, who dresses and coaches high-maintenance clientele, pageant contestants, expects her staff to work at the same passionate level. The Winning Crown Boutique staff includes: Beau, the new guy who knows how to close a sale; Tiffany, the manager of the boutique and talented designer who sticks out from The Winning Crown crowd; Sarah, the self-proclaimed smart alec who can dress a girl up just as swiftly as she dresses her down; Hannah, the outgoing redhead who uses her smarts and charm to win over cliental; and Gretchen, the opinionated beauty queen who bursts at the seams to say what she means. While competition is stiff, Michele and her team do whatever it takes to make sure their clients take home the crown!

Travel Channel

Adam Richman’s Fandemonium – Premieres Sunday, July 14 at 10:00 pm ET/PT

In “Adam Richman’s Fandemonium,” Adam Richman is on a mission to find the wildest fan events in America and meet the fanatics of anything worshipped, watched or celebrated.  On his quest to discover the ultimate fans, Richman samples the tastiest foods, discovers the finest tailgate innovations and uncovers the storied history and insider secrets to what being a diehard fan is all about.  Richman immerses himself into events that have a legendary base of obsessed, passionate fans – from the Daytona 500 to the Kentucky Derby.

Bikinis & Boardwalks – Series Premieres Sunday, July 7 at 7:00 pm ET/PT (with two back-to-back episodes)

Nothing says “vacation” like a beach boardwalk, where millions of travelers flock to indulge in their favorite guilty pleasures every year. In “Bikinis & Boardwalks,” specialty cameras will be mounted on everything, from surfers braving the waves to the helmets of active Army Parachute Specialists, as they rain down from over 12,000 feet above the boardwalk at the annual Atlantic City Air Show. We’ll go behind the scenes and meet the world famous candy makers as they go through 10,000 pounds of taffy a day trying to satisfy tourists’ insatiable sweet tooth! And just when you think you’ve seen it all, viewers will get an insider entrée to the country’s last Circus Sideshow at Coney Island’s Boardwalk – with never-before-given access to the sword swallowers, sorcerers, fire-eaters and more! From the sinfully delicious foods and adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, to the unexpected nearby attractions and miles of gorgeous beach – this will be an all-access pass to summer's most sizzling destinations, and the inside scoop on what makes these playgrounds the ultimate summer hotspots.

Best Daym Takeout – Series Premieres Wednesday, July 31 at 10:00 pm ET/PT

“Daym, Daym, Daym!,” exclaims Daymon “Daym” Patterson, the enthusiastic and voracious food critic and certified YouTube sensation.  This summer, Travel Channel hits the road in search of the best takeout joints in this new original series.  Patterson travels the country to give one-of-a-kind reviews of the best takeaway meals from behind the steering wheel.  Every location may tempt Patterson’s palate, but only one can be named the “Best Daym Takeout.”  Throughout each of the six half-hour episodes featured in this limited series, Patterson gives viewers his unique reviews and off-the-wall commentary while traveling the country in search of the best carryout in each town he visits.  His stops this season include Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Portland and San Francisco. 

RIDE-iculous – Series Premieres Sunday, August 4 at 8:30 pm ET/PT

Strap in for the most insane, gut-wrenching rides and adrenaline attractions, as “extreme” is taken to a whole new level. “RIDE-iculous” is an action-packed, just-can’t-believe-what-you’re-seeing series that celebrates the craziest thrill rides and adrenaline attractions – from the tallest human slingshot on the planet (400 feet!) and Europe’s highest bungee jump, to an underground zip line and kite snowboarding. The series travels around the globe and features the most hair-raising, gravity-defying rides, and viewers will be put right in the middle of the action!

Sundance Channel

The Writers’ Room – Series Premieres Monday, July 29“The Writers’ Room,” a new original non-fiction series presented by Sundance Channel and Entertainment Weekly, is a six episode, half-hour program hosted hosted by Academy Award©-winning screenwriter (“The Descendants”), comedian and actor Jim Rash (“Community”) that takes viewers where they have never been before—inside the writers’ rooms of the television shows that are defining pop culture today. 

“The Writers’ Room” will spotlight an array of scripted television shows -- including “Breaking Bad”, “Dexter,” “Game of Thrones” and “American Horror Story” to the most critically acclaimed and popular network sitcoms, including “Parks and Recreation” and “New Girl.”  A magnetic series for passionate TV fans and pop culture enthusiasts, the roundtable talk show format will delve deep into the world of TV’s creative masterminds, fearlessly challenging them to divulge the inside scoop on their greatest choices, toughest decisions and biggest mistakes. In addition to featuring the brilliant writers behind such outstanding series, a number of cast members will join in on the conversation, including:  “Breaking Bad” actor and producer Bryan Cranston, “American Horror Story” actress Lily Rabe, “Parks and Recreation” actress, writer and producer Amy Poehler and “New Girl” actor Jake Johnson.  RelativityREAL will produce the series with Tom Forman serving as Executive Producer, and Marco Bresaz will executive produce for Sundance Channel.

CNBC

The Profit – Premieres Tuesday, July 30 at 10:00pm ET/PT

If you have a business that’s in trouble and think your management team can survive America’s turnaround king, then you’re ready for “The Profit.” When Marcus Lemonis isn’t running his multi-billion dollar company, Camping World, he goes on the hunt for struggling businesses that are desperate for cash and ripe for a deal.  In the past 10 years, he’s successfully turned around over 100 companies.  Now he’s bringing those skills to CNBC and doing something no one has ever done on TV before … he’s putting over $2 million of his own money on the line. 

In each episode, Lemonis makes an offer that’s impossible to refuse; his cash for a piece of the business and a percentage of the profits.  And once inside these companies, he’ll do almost anything to save the business and make himself a profit; even if it means firing the president, promoting the secretary or doing the work himself. 

RETURNING Series

AMC

The Pitch – Season Two Premieres Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 10PM

“The Pitch” chronicles advertising agencies as they prepare campaigns to try and win a major new piece of business. “The Pitch” first premiered on AMC in April 2012 and earned a Critic’s Choice nomination for Best Reality Series – Competition.

Hell On Wheels – Two-hour season three premiere on Saturday, August 10 at 9:00 PM ET/PT (new premiere date)

Season three of “Hell on Wheels” finds Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount) leaving his vengeance-seeking behind and investing in the new American landscape.  The season opens in 1867, the third year of the building of the transcontinental railroad, and the beginnings of big business, big religion, and the new role of Wall Street in the White House.  Bohannon must contend with racism, greed and murder as he single-mindedly leads the Union Pacific in its race across the country against the Central Pacific Railroad.  The high stakes corporate race, the environmental costs and degradation of the native peoples' way of life are themes that resonate deeply in today's America. "Hell on Wheels" also stars Colm Meaney as Thomas “doc” Durant, a greedy entrepreneur taking full advantage of the changing times, and musician/actor Common as Elam Ferguson, an emancipated slave working to achieve true freedom in a world entrenched in prejudice.

Breaking Bad – Final Episodes Premieres Sunday, August 11, 2013 at 9PM

Created by acclaimed writer, producer and director Vince Gilligan and produced by Sony Pictures Television, “Breaking Bad” has garnered seven Primetime Emmy^® Award wins and a Peabody, and been named to the American Film Institute’s (AFI) list of the “Top 10 Programs of the Year” (2008, 2010, 2011, 2012). The explosive series that The Hollywood Reporter called “one of the greatest dramas in TV history," returned to AMC for the first part of its final season on July 15, 2012 with its most watched episode to date with 2.9 million viewers (up 14% over the season four premiere). “Breaking Bad” stars three-time Emmy^® Award-winner Bryan Cranston; two-time Emmy^® winner Aaron Paul; Anna Gunn; Dean Norris; Betsy Brandt; RJ Mitte and Bob Odenkirk.

Bravo

Top Chef Masters – Premieres Monday, July 1 at 10PM

Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” returns for a fifth season with 13 new award-winning chefs ready to compete for bragging rights, the title of ‘Top Chef Master’ and $100,000 for their charity.  In a new twist this season, each Master will have his or her sous chef compete in an online competition, “Battle of the Sous Chefs,” hosted by Hugh Acheson and presented by Lexus.  The results of each online episode directly impacts the Masters, awarding them advantages, such as immunity (the winner of each battle earns the Top Chef Master immunity), and sometimes, disadvantages, depending on their sous chef’s performance (the chefs who perform the worst always earn obstacles for their Top Chef Master).  Every episode of “Battle of the Sous Chefs” leads up to the next episode of “Top Chef Masters,” and explores the uniquely interdependent relationship between a Master chef and his or her sous chef. 

Interior Therapy – Premieres Tuesday, July 9 at 9PM

Season two of “Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis,” will once again feature Jeff Lewis, Jenni Pulos and Zoila Chavez as they work together to redesign a homeowner’s space with the end goal of redesigning their lives.  Jeff and his crew will observe the owners, diagnose their problems, and then take over their house for five days in the hopes of improving them from the inside out.  He does this by using a combination of brutal honesty, impeccable design, and a few unique solutions that only Jeff can create.  This season with his trusted assistant Jenni and loyal housekeeper, Zoila at his side, Jeff helps rework a room in a castle, visits a home run by a crazy cat lady and faces his biggest challenge yet…working with a younger version of himself. 

Travel

Bizarre Foods America – Premieres Monday, July 1 at 9pm ET/PT 

This summer, Andrew Zimmern – the two-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, food writer and teacher – crisscrosses the country once again to find the nation's most bizarre foods in all-new episodes of "Bizarre Foods America" with Andrew Zimmern.  From slow roasted steer head in Houston, dried octopus bile sac in Hawaii and dry-aged dove in Louisville, Zimmern continues to explore the bizarre foods and cultures in our own backyard.

Hotel Impossible – Premieres Monday, August 12 at 10pm ET/PT

Hotel “fixer,” Anthony Melchiorri returns for a third season to turn struggling hotels into bustling tourist destinations.  Each episode features a hotel either not living up to its potential, or on the verge of closing.  Melchiorri assesses each property and identifies its biggest problems.  He then meets with the staff, from front desk receptionists to housekeeping to the owners themselves, to determine the key operation issues.  Joining Melchiorri on location are a variety of highly experienced designers including Blanche Garcia, Casey Noble and new to this season, Carrie Drosnes, who will help transform key spaces in each hotel.  Melchiorri has just days to convince the hotel staff and owners to let go of the reins, formulate a plan, revamp the hotel and re-motivate its staff.  For some hotel owners, this is their last hope.

FINALES

Sundance Channel

Push Girls – Season Two Finale Monday, July 22^nd at 10pm ET/PT
In the season two finale of “Push Girls,” winner of the Critic’s Choice award for “Best New Reality Series,” Angela brings a whole new world of independence within reach as she ventures out to take her driving test. Will she earn her license or will nerves get the best of her? Auti and Eric return to couples therapy after weathering a rocky patch in their marriage. But can they rediscover the passionate chemistry that made them fall in love in the first place? Chelsie is approached by a publisher who wants to base a novel on her life story. Though flattered and excited by the idea, she wrestles with putting her personal narrative in the hands of a writer she’s never met. Then it’s off the races as the girls head to a track for some high-speed fun. The danger of racing isn’t lost on them – most sustained their injuries in automobile accidents. But that won’t stop the Push Girls from taking life by the wheel.

Starz

Magic City- Season Two Finale Friday, August 9^th at 9pm ET/PT
Ike and Ben’s future hangs in the balance as the casino gambling bill comes to a final vote. Ike makes Klein a tempting offer, and Sy makes a final decision about Ben. Victor recognizes a devastating truth about his new anti-Castro cohorts, while Vera makes a life-altering proposal to Mercedes. As Stevie oversees the grand opening of Madame Renee’s elegant whorehouse, Danny draws the line between right and wrong.

“Magic City” stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Ike Evans and 2013 Golden Globe® nominee Danny Huston as Ben “The Butcher” Diamond. Academy Award Nominee James Caan (The Godfather, Misery, “Las Vegas”) joined the season two cast along with Esai Morales (“Caprica,” La Bamba). Season two also saw the return of Kelly Lynch, Yul Vazquez, Dominik Garcia-Lorido, Elena Satine, Olga Kurylenko, Steven Strait and Christian Cooke.
 

-Bruce - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -